The Texans are releasing Reed, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday, per a source informed of the pending deal. Reed was officially released later Tuesday, the Texans announced, and he will go on waivers after earning $5 million guaranteed for just seven games. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle had the first report.

The Texans surely realized a disgruntled veteran of Reed's declining skill level and decorated resume would be a distraction on a team trying to pull itself out of the tailspin of a seven-game losing skid.

The future Hall of Famer is free to latch on to a contender for the stretch run. The question is whether any team in need of a safety has a spot open for a player who has become a competitive disadvantage at the tail end of his career.